Review: KOA Cardinal/Ottawa South

October 21, 2018

The Cardinal Ottawa South KOA is located just a little north-east of the 401 and 416 interchange in farm country. It is an easy one hour drive to Ottawa by the 416 or via scenic back roads following along the Rideau River. This was an excellent location to visit Ottawa for Canada 150. It was not too far to get to the city but still far enough to be away from the city to avoid all the huge crowds on Canada Day.

The campground itself has typical KOA features with lots of sites shaded by large pine trees. They have a store, bounce pillow and a pool. The in the summer of 2017 when we visited, they also had one of the large blow up water slides. The staff was quite nice and friendly and on Canada Day they put on one of the best campground fireworks shows we have seen. It is also a quick drive to Kemptville which is a small town that is big enough to have all the basics like fast food and a Walmart. If you are visiting Ottawa from the campground or just need to run into Kemptville I would recommend taking the back roads over the 416, as there is very little traffic and it is quite scenic in that area, especially as you get close to the Rideau River and follow it into South Ottawa.

Overall this was one of the nicest KOA campgrounds we have been to and we would recommend it to anyone staying in the area. The trees are one of the key features that give it an above average rating. There are so few KOA campgrounds that feel like you are camping in a Provincial, State or National Park.